Berlin police investigating bomb threat at US embassy

Berlin police say a man is in custody after claiming to have a bomb inside a suitcase he was trying to bring into the U.S. Embassy.

Police spokesman Jens Berger said Friday the man was turned away at the door of the downtown embassy at about 7:30 a.m. by security personnel.

Berger says police are investigating reports the man then became violent and tried to punch security personnel. As he was being arrested by police at the scene, Berger says he told them there was a bomb in his suitcase that was in front of the entrance.

The area has been cleared and a police robot is inspecting the bag.

Berger says he has no details yet on the man’s identity but “there are many indications he is psychologically disturbed.”